NFL reporter resigns from The Athletic after photos published of her with Patriots coach
Rob Maaddi
Updated ,first published
NFL reporter Dianna Russini resigns Athletic Less than a week after photos of him and New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel were released at a facility in Arizona, an internal investigation was launched. New York TimesThe sports store he owns.
New York Post He posted photos of Vrabel and Russini at a Sedona hotel last week, saying they were taken before NFL owners meetings that begin March 29 in Phoenix.
“I’ve covered the NFL with professionalism and dedication throughout my career, and I stand behind every story I’ve ever published. When the Page Six item first appeared, Athletic “He openly supported me, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism.” Athletic Obtained by managing editor Steven Ginsberg and The Associated Press.
“I am grateful for this. Unfortunately, in the days that followed, commentators in various media engaged in self-fulfilling speculations disconnected from reality. Moreover, this media frenzy is accelerating without regard to the vetting process. Athletic trying to complete. It continues to escalate, fueled by repeated leaks, and I have no intention of participating in a public inquiry that has already caused far more damage than I am prepared to admit.
“Instead of allowing this to continue, I have decided to step aside now before my current contract expires on June 30. I am doing this not because I accept the narrative that has been created around this event, but because I refuse to give it any more oxygen or allow it to define me or my career.”
Russini joined Athletic After nearly a decade at ESPN, he landed a variety of roles in 2023, including “SportsCenter” announcer, NFL analyst and insider. Hosted a podcast Athletic and took part in video platforms.
Vrabel and Russini, who are both married, made statements to the press. to mail downplaying what the photos depict after the photos are published.
Russini said they were “not representative of the group of six people hanging out during the day.”
“These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable,” Vrabel told the paper.
Vrabel did not attend New England’s pre-draft press conference on Monday.
New York Times On Saturday, the digital outlet reported that it was investigating Russini’s conduct.
The decision comes after Ginsberg previously told the Post that the photos “lacked essential context” and praised his work. Athletic.
“There were clear concerns when this situation was brought to our attention last week, but we received a detailed explanation and it was our instinct to support and defend a colleague as we continue to review the matter,” Ginsberg said in a memo to staff Tuesday announcing Russini’s resignation.
“As additional information emerged, new questions emerged that became part of our investigation. While our investigation into Dianna’s conduct continues, she has chosen to resign.”
Ginsberg said review of Russini’s work will continue.
Vrabel, who won three Super Bowls with New England, is preparing for his second season as coach of the Patriots. He was the AP NFL Coach of the Year last season after his team finished 14-3, culminating in a Super Bowl loss to Seattle. Vrabel previously won the AP NFL Coach of the Year award in 2021 with Tennessee.
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